Attukal Pongala on March 3: Medical facilities in place, how to handle heat

The Attukal Pongala temple festival, considered one of the largest women's gatherings in the world, will be held on March 3, and elaborate medical arrangements are in place for the day. The fest, which has lakhs of women from across age groups gathering in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, has multiple medical teams, ambulance services, control rooms, and more in place to help the devotees. Here are the details. 

Medical teams and ambulances
Ambulances and medical teams are deployed at 10 points across the city. This is in addition to the 108 ambulance services stationed around 10 locations from 5 am to the end of the day. 
Ambulance services: 0471 2778910
For emergencies, there are also four bike-based first-response teams, a Gurkha ambulance, and bike feeder ambulances arranged.

Control rooms
Special control rooms will function at the District Medical Office, the Collectorate Control room and near the Attukal temple premises.

Measures to handle heat
Special arrangements have been set up in 12 hospitals to treat heat-related ailments. Coolers and other facilities are also installed at health centres to mitigate the impact of sunburn and heatstroke. Authorities urge the public to strictly follow the Health Department's advisories amid the high temperatures. Devotees have been advised to drink plenty of water at regular intervals to prevent dehydration, even if they do not feel thirsty. Those experiencing fatigue, headache, dizziness or breathlessness should move to shaded areas and seek medical assistance immediately. 
Medical camps by the Ayurveda and Homoeopathy departments have also been arranged. 
Water Authority Control Room: 9188127947
(With PTI inputs)